Keto Fuel Pills: Do They Work?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Keto pills, or exogenous ketones, are supplements that claim to help achieve and maintain ketosis, suppress appetite, and enhance weight loss. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, and some experts argue that these pills may even hinder weight loss efforts. While exogenous ketones can temporarily elevate ketone levels in the blood, they may also decrease free fatty acids, leading to reduced fat burning. Additionally, the high cost, potential side effects, and lack of regulation in the supplement market are important considerations when contemplating the use of keto pills.

Keto pills are not the same as the full keto diet

Keto pills, on the other hand, are exogenous ketones that give your body ketones from outside sources. These chemically stable molecules are designed to increase ketone levels in the blood and mimic the effect of ketosis. However, research has shown that higher levels of exogenous ketones in the bloodstream can lead to the liver reducing its own ketone production. This is because the body has a feedback mechanism to prevent ketone levels from becoming too high and causing the blood to become dangerously acidic. As a result, ketone supplements may prevent your body from using fat as fuel and delay the transition into ketosis.

Keto pills are often used by people who don't want to cut out carbs. Since it is the elevated ketones that are associated with reduced appetite, ketone supplements may not work in the same way after a carb-heavy meal or snack. This is because the body uses fewer ketones for fuel when glucose from carbs is readily available. There is evidence that these supplements are only beneficial while fasting rather than after consuming carbs.

While keto pills can temporarily elevate ketone levels in the blood, the overall impact on the body is not the same as achieving ketosis through dietary choices. Just as taking a vitamin C supplement is not the same as eating a cup of strawberries, which also provides fibre, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, keto pills do not offer the same benefits as a well-rounded, healthy keto diet.

Ketone supplements may not affect appetite as much if you've eaten beforehand

Ketone supplements are claimed to suppress appetite and reduce hunger. However, studies have shown that ketone supplements may not affect appetite as much if you've eaten a meal beforehand.

In a study, participants who consumed a ketone ester drink after an overnight fast experienced 50% less hunger than those who drank a sugary beverage. However, the appetite-suppressing effect was attributed to lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which occurred two to four hours after drinking the ketone ester drink.

Other studies have observed higher blood ketone levels in participants who did not eat a meal before taking a ketone supplement compared to those who did. This suggests that ketone supplements may only be beneficial during a fast or when consumed without a meal containing carbohydrates.

When taken after a carb-containing meal, ketone supplements will still raise blood ketone levels but not as high as when taken during a fast. This indicates that the body uses fewer ketones as fuel when there is more available glucose from carbohydrates.

Therefore, while ketone supplements may help reduce appetite and hunger, their effectiveness may be diminished if consumed after a meal, especially one containing carbohydrates.

Keto pills can be expensive

Another reason for the high cost of keto pills is the lack of regulation in the supplement market. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements, including keto products. This means that there is a chance that what is listed on the label may not accurately reflect what is in the bottle. There is also a risk of contamination with heavy metals and other contaminants. To ensure the safety and efficacy of keto pills, it is recommended to purchase products that have been tested and certified by third-party organizations. These additional tests and certifications add to the overall cost of the product.

Furthermore, keto pills are often marketed as a quick fix for weight loss and are heavily promoted on social media. The high demand and popularity of these products allow manufacturers to charge a premium. Some companies may even engage in scams, taking advantage of consumers who are desperate to lose weight. It is important for individuals to be cautious of these marketing tactics and to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements.

There is limited research on the efficacy of keto supplements

One small 2021 study found that people with obesity who followed a low-calorie ketogenic diet and took a BHB salt supplement experienced enhanced ketosis. However, higher ketone levels did not seem to boost weight loss. Other studies have shown that exogenous ketones can help increase ketone levels in the blood quickly, but their effect on weight loss is unclear, and more robust studies are needed.

Some experts argue that supplementation may not be very effective because the body seeks to maintain a safe level of ketones to prevent a toxic buildup in the bloodstream. When ketone levels are too high, the liver stops producing ketones and tries to flush out the excess, a process called ketonuria. This means that supplements are often expensive urine.

Additionally, the high dosage of exogenous ketones required to achieve clinical effects would mean taking an impractical number of pills per day. For example, to reach the low end of the therapeutic range, one would need to take 25 keto pills per day.

Furthermore, the supplement market is not tightly regulated, and consumers must trust that brands follow good manufacturing practices. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements, so there is a chance that what is in the bottle may not match the label, and products may even contain heavy metals and other contaminants.

While keto supplements may temporarily elevate ketone levels in the blood, the overall impact on the body is not the same as achieving ketosis through dietary choices. Experts recommend a wholesome and effective diet with well-rounded, healthy meals made with real food instead of relying on supplements.

Side effects of keto supplements include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea

Keto supplements are not without their side effects. In fact, they can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.

One study found that 13 out of 19 participants who took ketone salts, a popular ingredient in keto supplements, suffered from gastrointestinal distress. These supplements are bound to salts, so consuming too much is not recommended.

Additionally, the high amounts of minerals in these supplements can be problematic. For example, one serving of ketone salts provides 680mg of sodium, 320mg of magnesium, and 590mg of calcium. To maintain ketosis, you would need to take a dose every two to three hours, doubling or tripling these numbers.

The side effects of keto supplements are a red flag, and experts advise that you should be concerned about them. While these supplements may temporarily elevate ketone levels in the blood, their overall impact on the body is not the same as getting there through dietary choices.

Furthermore, the long-term effects of keto supplements are unknown, and they may even be harmful to your health in the long run. The bottom line is that keto supplements are unnecessary and possibly harmful, and if you're set on the keto diet, it's best to fill your plate with healthy fats and non-starchy vegetables instead of relying on exogenous ketone supplements.

Frequently asked questions